Lamar Jackson's Performance and Health

Lamar Jackson has the keys to a new offense and hopes to drive the Ravens to Super Bowl LVIII. With more pre-snap freedom, more playmakers, and a new contract extension, much will be expected from the 2019 unanimous MVP. Injuries have derailed Jackson's past two seasons, but a healthy year from one the NFL's most dynamic players could take the Ravens to Lombardi Trophy level.

The New Weapons

The additions of Odell Beckham Jr., rookie Zay Flowers, and veteran Nelson Agholor have added sizzle to Baltimore's offense. Beckham looks healthy, his hands are still sticky, and he's a proven 1,000-yard receiver. The speedy Flowers has been putting defenders on skates all summer. On paper, the Ravens have the potential to create migraine-sized matchup problems for opponents.

Todd Monken's Impact

The Ravens were the lowest-scoring AFC team to make the playoffs in 2022. Monken was hired to help them become more explosive and versatile, and he's been a loud voice at practices, teaching an offense that is expected to run at a faster tempo with a more diverse and aggressive passing attack. Monken's success in his first season as Baltimore's play caller will play a major role in the team's fate.

The Pass Rush

Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are two young players being counted on to harass opposing quarterbacks. The Ravens signed Jadeveon Clowney, but two veterans who accounted for 15 total sacks last season were not re-signed – Justin Houston and Calais Campbell. Whether it comes from the defensive line, blitzing or outside linebackers, the Ravens must find ways to put pressure on quarterbacks.

Early AFC North Games

Baltimore has an unusual schedule, with three games on the road against their AFC North rivals during the first five weeks. Divisional games are always important, but it seems even more imperative for Baltimore to play well early against the Bengals (Week 2), Browns (Week 4) and Steelers (Week 5). The Ravens want to avoid playing catch-up in what could be the NFL's toughest division.

The Cornerback Rotation

Cornerback was the position hit hardest by injuries during the summer, headlined by Marlon Humphrey (foot surgery), one of the team's most important players. Even after Humphrey returns, the Ravens are counting on new corners such as Rock Ya-Sin, Ronald Darby and Anthony Maulet, young corners such as Ar'Darius Washington and Brandon Stephens, and veteran corners such as Kevon Seymour to step up.

The Trenches

The Ravens have an established offensive line featuring Ronnie Stanley, Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, Morgan Moses and new starter John Simpson. Defensive linemen Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington seemed poised for breakout seasons and Michael Pierce is a standout player when healthy. If the Ravens consistently win in the trenches, they'll win plenty of games.

The Run Game

J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards enter contract years the healthiest they've been since the 2020 season. The rushing attack has been a staple for Baltimore's in recent seasons and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken ran a two-back system effectively at Georgia. If the Ravens run effectively, it could make their passing game even more dynamic.

Dynamic Inside Linebackers

Roquan Smith will wear the green dot communication helmet as the All-Pro enters his first full season in command of the defense. Patrick Queen is entering a contract year determined to have his best year. Neither Smith nor Queen have missed a game the past three years, an indication of how much they love to compete. Their intense combination is part of why Baltimore expects to have a top defense.

Intangibles

There are early signs that the team's chemistry will be good. Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers worked out together this summer. Jadeveon Clowney and Nelson Agholor said they signed with Baltimore partly because of the culture they wanted to join. The season will surely bring highs and lows, but the Ravens enter Week 1 with a deep roster and relatively healthy. That's a good place to start.